Sometimes when I walk up to a restaurant, a certain song will pop into my head. It happens naturally and yeah, it’s odd but welcome to my brain.

So what is the song that plays in my head when I go to @honeybutterchi ? “Can I Kick It?” by A Tribe Called Quest. And it goes beyond the obvious, welcoming chorus. The warm bass line makes me think of the interior aesthetic, the record scratches represent the shake-up they have going on with the menu, and the community vibe they both have feels parallel.

HBFC is a classic. Most people would say it is a staple, but according to Christine, it is a place to enjoy the simple life and community. You can see every aspect of this restaurant’s voice in this. Each section of this spot works together but still feels like something special on its own. The main dining area has warm lights, a carefully crafted letter board menu, and a rad “RESTAURANT” sign that dates back to when the building was first built. While most restaurants will greet you with a host or a sign that says “Please wait to be seated”, you will find an intriguing display of local artists’ work at the entrance of HBFC.

Towards the backdoor, you will find a cozy, small bar with a few stools, a bar top, a couple of tables, some arcade games, and what I like to call “Forever Christmas” lights. It has the same vibe as a bar you would see on a friendly sitcom.

They also have a 10/10 patio, hands down! It hits that perfect sweet spot: simple, comfortable, and surrounded by gorgeous, vibrant plants.

The last but most important thing I noticed was how proud Christine was of her staff. She took the time to introduce us to everyone that was there and bragged about their accomplishments. They were so kind and accommodating. It felt like they took pride in what they were doing just as much as Christine.

So next time you are craving some honey butter and fried chicken, hit the corner of Elston and Roscoe. You don’t even need to ask “can I kick it?” Because you know HBFC will say, yes, you can.